Zurich Pride 2015

Zürich Pride – “Now more than ever!” was the motto of the 2014 Pride. With this, Zurich Pride Festival stated that – apart from having accomplished a lot so far – there’s still more to do in terms of equality for lesbians, gays and transgenders (LGBT). In 2015, we’ll pick up the thread. While there are people questioning the limits or borders of equality for LGBT, we say: there are none. We demand all rights equal to those of heterosexuals. Not only do we want to be tolerated by society, but be accepted and be on par with it. We want “Equality without borders.” Zürich, Switzerland.

Zurich Pride 2015

Clash of cultures  – There is a strong belief for those not affected, that passing a few laws – like the Swiss Partnerschaftsgesetz (civil union rights act) are the utmost border in tolerating gays, lesbians and transgenders on a legal base. These borders need to be overcome, not only by law, but also in the common sense of society. Worldwide. Homosexuality is still forbidden in more than 80 countries of the world. While a happily increasing number of countries(i.e. the UK, the USA, France) have made huge progress in opening up marriage rights for same sex couples (partly including adoption), others bundle their energy towards further repression of LGBT people:

In 2014, the Slovak Republic has secretly altered the constitution, prohibiting same sex marriage. Uganda has been in the global news constantly, causing an international outcry over debating on a harsh anti-homo law.  Egypt has seen(supposedly) gay men being taken from a sauna under the eyes of the media, them being convicted of “unnatural behaviour” before court – and then being released eventually only under the pressure of protests from all over the world. Switzerland is facing a public vote on an initiative to alter the constitution towards a homophobic passage newly defining “marriage” – with the support of the Bundesrat (federal council). The parliament is fighting against that passage, as is – surprisingly – parts of the catholic church, taking sides with the LGBT community, which has led to violent controversy within the church. It is obvious: the clash of cultures about how to deal with LGBTs is well underway: in Switzerland, in Europe, around the world.

The Zurich “drive” –  Zurich Pride Festival acknowledges Zurich as an international, multi-cultural city, with a high standard of living and an enormous supportive drive regarding LGBT rights. It has come a long way though, considering that not too long ago, gays in Zurich had been formally registered and oppressed by the police. Zurich has since then turned into being the Swiss, even an international safe haven for LGBTs. All of which is reflected on a legal level (one of the first Cantons to pass a civil union law, introduction of an Administrative Office for the Equality of Men and Women)and on a political level (lesbian mayor, campaign for homosexual foster parents). Zurich and its LGBT history have only recently gained even more international attention through the release of the highly accredited film “Der Kreis” (The Circle). Now, as Zurich commences its turnaround from being homo- and transphobic towards being an LGBT-friendly metropolis, we want to accompany the city on its journey and be the driving part behind it. And in doing so, we might even kick-off further positive developments elsewhere. In Switzerland, in Europe, worldwide. Equality knows no limits. That’s what we’re fighting for: Equality without borders.

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